I do believe I promised you this pizza a LONG time ago. We all know I'm nothing if not consistent in my procrastination techniques (hence the reason you really only get 1-2 posts a week over here, I suck).

But, the pizza has finally made its appearance. Just in time for spring, which is ironic because it kind of reminds me of spring. I don't know if it's the freshness of the lemon, or the fact that the weather was just amazingly springy back when I made this pizza, but, it reminds me of spring nonetheless. However, I'm sure this would be an awesome summer pizza… or fall pizza… or winter pizza. I think I need help for my pizza addiction, does anyone know a counselor?

Also, I'm not sure how you're going to feel about this. Not only am I putting fruit and vegetables on your pizza, but, I'm omitting the cheese. Don't run away! I promise you don't need it, but I guess that classifies this as more of a “flatbread”? I'm still calling it a pizza. Whatever. If you think you'll die from trying to consume a cheese-less pizza, just see the note at the bottom of the recipe. I've created a loophole for you strange cheese lovers.

Also, I used ham on the pizza because that's what appealed to me. But, I'm sure you could use prosciutto or bacon. Whatever floats your boat. I don't judge. Next time I make this I'll probably put ham AND bacon… and you thought you were bad.

I did get a recommendation when I made this pizza, to maybe cut the lemons into wedges instead of leaving them as whole slices. I could get on board with that. I just think it's prettier with the whole slices. But, it would definitely be easier to eat if they were cut. Your choice.

While we're on the subject of these lemons. You eat the whole thing. Rind and all. And I promise you, it's so good. Just trust me. Trust me like you trusted me the time I brought you this salad in winter, and this chicken made from 6 ingredients, and the time I put oatmeal in your smoothie. Just go with it.

Kale, Ham, & Meyer Lemon Pizza

Serves: 4 Servings Prep Time: 2 Hours Cook Time: 25 Minutes

Ingredients

dough:
1 packet active dry yeast (approximately 2 1/4 teaspoons)
1 1/8 cup warm water
1 tablespoon blackberry honey (or plain honey)
1 1/2 cups bread flour
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt

pizza:
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon & 4 teaspoons of crushed garlic, divided
4 cups of kale
4 pieces of deli ham, torn
2 meyer lemons, thinly sliced with seeds removed

Procedures

dough:
In a large bowl, or kitchenaid mixer, combine water, yeast, honey, and olive oil. Stir and allow the mixture to sit for 10 minutes, until foamy. Mix in 2 1/2 cups of flour and the salt until the dough comes together but is still sticky. Add in the remaining flour and either need by hand or using your kitchenaid mixer dough hook.

Remove the dough and coat the bowl with olive oil. Return the dough to the bowl and turn to coat. Cover with a towel and allow the dough to rise for about 1 1/2 hours.

After the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide the dough into four even pieces. Using a rolling-pin, flatten each piece out and place in pizza stones, or on baking sheets. (If you chose to make one large pizza, don't divide the dough and use a rolling-pin to create your desired shape.)

Allow the dough to sit for ten minutes.

pizza:
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.

In a frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of crushed garlic. Cook for one minute and add kale, tossing to coat. Continue to cook until wilted, approximately 6-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.

Brush each of the four pieces of dough with remaining olive oil and 1 teaspoon of crushed garlic. Evenly distribute the wilted kale and torn ham among each of the pizzas. Finally, layer the meyer lemon slices over the kale and ham.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until crust is golden. (If making one large pizza you may need to bake for 25-30 minutes).

*Note: I am aware that I just brought you a cheese-less pizza. I promise you it was really good… however, if you don't want to take my word for it, you can always just add some parmesan cheese on top before baking. I'm sure that would be delicious for you cheese lovers out there.

Nutritional Data

Serving Size: 1 Pizza (or 1/4 of a large pizza)
Calories: 532 Carbohydrates: 82g Fat: 15g Protein: 16g Fiber: 4g Calcium 11g